Simplifying real estate: An overview of your rights as a landlord in 2023

You may have seen our recent blog, where we were talking all things tenants.

Read: Simplifying Real Estate - Your rights as a tenant in 2023

However, we didn’t want to leave all you landlords sitting wondering if there were any rights you should also be aware of as we get further into 2023.

Well, fear not! We’ve got you covered as always and below you can find an overview of some important things you should be aware of this year.

RERA, which is Dubai’s real estate regulatory agency, has specific laws that outline the roles and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords.

So, let’s jump right in.

Get to know your tenant

To ensure a successful tenancy, you need to feel comfortable and confident with who you’re working with. Obtaining all the necessary documents is a good place to start.

The essentials that, at minimum, you’ll need to have in place are:

1. A comprehensive tenancy contract that outlines all agreed terms

2. A clear understanding of your tenant and their legal documentation

3. Ejari registration documents

Cheques and direct debit - what do you need to know?

First things first, it is critical that you ensure that all payments are issued by the tenant themselves.

It might sound simple, but it’s often when this is overlooked that issues of subletting and illegal activity occur. If you weren’t aware - the subletting of any apartment is illegal.

You can come to an agreement with the tenant as to how many cheques you want to work with, which of course then needs to be written in the contract.

For direct debit payments, you need to make sure that the tenant’s account is registered with the apartment, which can be done via the Noqodi Direct Debit System.

Evictions - how does it work?

The only way to request an eviction, outside of contracted terms, is by providing a written notice 12 months before the required date.

Although, there are some cases where this does not apply, such as:

1. Failure to pay rent

2. Unauthorised subleasing

3. Improper use of the property

4. Illegal or immoral activities

5. Damaging the property, and non-compliance with the tenancy or the law.

Increases to rental rates

If you plan to increase your rental rates, you are required to provide the tenant with a 90-day written notice via Nortary Public.

Disclaimer: You can’t choose to increase rental rates without reason, and must follow the rental index shared by the Dubai Land Department.

How can we help you?

If you are interested in leasing your property or are a tenant searching for your next home - our team of experts are on hand to help!

Our Head of Property Management, Anisha Sagar, is also an expert in all things Property Management!